Former Vice President Joe Biden will speak in Pittsburgh today, while Lara Trump will campaign in Bucks County later in the afternoon. Here is the Playbook. 

August 28th Ups & Downs: A GOP congressional hopeful takes the stage for the RNC, three former elected GOP officials back Biden’s bid for the presidency, plus medical marijuana sales in the state are reaching new highs. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Biden to Speak in Pittsburgh: Former Vice President Joe Biden is slated to speak in Pittsburgh on Monday afternoon to discuss safety in America, according to a release from his campaign. 

Lara Trump To Visit Bucks County: Lara Trump, a Trump 2020 Senior Advisor and daughter-in-law to the president, is set to visit Doylestown on Monday afternoon to highlight Trump’s agenda on creating jobs, maintaining law and order, and promoting American values, according to a release from Trump’s campaign. 

Biden Releases Digital Ads in PA Over Canceled Sports Seasons: Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign launched targeted digital ads in four states, including Pennsylvania, pinning the blame on Trump’s administration for the impact that COVID-19 is having on sports. The 15 second PA spot appears to feature Beaver Stadium and Heinz Field. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Inquirer: Trump makes a clear bet: Violence in America’s cities will help him beat Biden in states like Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Jill Biden launches ‘back to school’ tour as Joe Biden, Mike Pence, and Lara Trump all come to Pa.
Inquirer: Pennsylvania residents prepare for the statewide eviction moratorium to end Monday  
Inquirer: Family ties bind bank behind $50M taxpayer-backed coronavirus loan to Poconos casino 
Inquirer: Fact-checking Trump’s frequent claim that Joe Biden ‘abandoned Scranton’ 
Inquirer: Joe Biden’s deep Scranton roots 
Inquirer: Coronavirus cases rising at Pa. colleges; FDA ousts top spokesperson after 2 weeks; 4 at RNC test positive for COVID-19
Inquirer: Millions of young men toiled in FDR’s ’tree army’ to help end the Great Depression. Could it work again?
AP: Utility regulators leave moratorium on shutoffs in place 
AP: Suit by protester kicked by officer heading to federal court
AP: At least 250 COVID-19 cases reported at Pennsylvania colleges
Spotlight PA: Highway ‘stop-and-frisk’: How Pennsylvania state troopers conduct illegal traffic searches
KDKA: Joe Biden To Deliver Remarks In Southwestern Pennsylvania On Monday
KDKA: Vice President Mike Pence To Visit Pennsylvania For ‘Workers For Trump’ Rally
KDKA: Pa. Child Care Providers To Receive $117 Million In CARES Act Funding
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: After ‘bullish’ use of powers, Wolf reaches end of executive rope on evictions
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. regulatory panel at impasse on utility shutoffs for third straight month
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Confederate statues would be removed from national parks in Gettysburg, elsewhere under Minn. lawmaker’s bill
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf, Repubs both say they want election reform. Will they get it in time? | Friday Morning Coffee
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The protest that changed America | Five for Your Weekend 
Patriot News: Vice President Pence is slated to visit northeastern Pa. 
Patriot News: Trump details accomplishments, depicts election as historic choice between greatness and socialism 
Patriot News: Philadelphia Eagles’ Jeffrey Lurie offers Lincoln Financial Field as polling place in 2020 election
Patriot News: 670 new coronavirus cases reported Sunday in Pa.  
PLSReporter: House to vote on election bill in September return to Harrisburg  
Post-Gazette: Gov. Wolf urges Pa. Legislature to begin work on his election reform package
Post-Gazette: Federal court rejects ‘weak and unenforceable’ Pennsylvania smog regulations 
Tribune Review: Super PACs turn to Western Pa. voters for testimonials in presidential contest
Tribune Review: Pa. implements OmniBallot tool for blind voters in November election
Fox News: ‘You didn’t earn any extra woke-points’: Top cop’s stern message to vandals who defaced Philadelphia mural honoring slain, decorated Black officer 
Presenté: Book recounts 1923 racial tragedy that affected African Americans and Mexicans in Johnstown
KYW Newsradio: Pa. officials say calls to report child abuse are way down
StateImpactPA: Federal judges throw out ‘gaping loophole’ in PA’s coal pollution plan
StateImpactPA: New drilling-mud spill is Sunoco’s 10th at Lebanon County’s Snitz Creek since the Mariner East pipeline project began
National Journal: Biden Will Campaign in AZ, MN, PA, WI Throughout the Fall
Washington Examiner: One sign at a time, Pennsylvania veteran makes the world a better place
The Hill: 21 states sue White House over rollback of bedrock environmental law
The Hill: New Biden ads blame Trump for canceled sports seasons 
The Hill: University of Pennsylvania professor wants to investigate claim Trump faked admission exam
LNP | LancasterOnline: Trump, Biden close out political conventions; here are highlights and analyses for the events, 2020 election
CNN: Trump campaign seeks post-convention bounce after rough stretch
CNN: Trump’s risky college football play
CNN: Biden condemns violence in Portland and calls on Trump to do the same

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Philly gets $10 million grant to secure November election
KYW Newsradio: Protest encampments remain despite judge’s ruling that officials may shut them down
KYW Newsradio: Nearly 3,000 firearms seized from Philly streets as gun violence continues to surge
KYW Newsradio: Paused by COVID-19, in-person court proceedings begin slow rollout in Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: New mural highlighting Black Lives Matter movement unveiled at Municipal Services Building
KYW Newsradio: Census workers still going door to door to collect information despite pandemic
KYW Newsradio: Federal judge rejects Philly landlord group’s attempt to stop eviction prevention measures
KYW Newsradio: 76ers owners eye Philadelphia riverfront for potential new arena
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia’s record-setting overtime costs during pandemic cause alarm
Philly Voice: President Trump coming to Philly for town hall with undecided voters
Philly Voice: Trash, recycling collection expected to operate on regular schedule this week
Philadelphia Magazine: Marc Vetri Goes Off On Mayor Kenney After the Mayor Dines Indoors
Philadelphia Magazine: Are Those New Philly COVID Masks Actually Any Good? 
Philadelphia Magazine: The 40 Top-Rated Public High Schools in Philadelphia and the Suburbs 
Philadelphia Magazine: Ignore the Rankings: Why the Best School for Your Kid Is Probably the One in Your Neighborhood
Inquirer: Pennsylvania residents prepare for the statewide eviction moratorium to end Monday 
Inquirer: The head of the USPS said he was suspending changes. But Philly mail delays aren’t getting better 
Inquirer: Philly’s homicide toll reached 300 this weekend, the highest it’s been at the end of August in at least 13 years 
Inquirer: Students protest education inequity in march from Lower Merion to Philly’s Overbrook High School 
Inquirer: Slain officer’s sister on his mural’s defacement: ‘It just adds more of a divide’ 
Inquirer: The best ventilation for COVID-19, according to experts | Morning Newsletter
WHYY Newsworks: Looming ‘deluge’ of evictions threatens thousands of Pa. families as school begins
WHYY Newsworks: Philly youth rally, cry for peace in neighborhoods plagued by gun violence 
WHYY Newsworks: Temple University suspends in-person classes after 103 test positive for COVID-19
Philadelphia Gay News: LGBTQ candidates in Pa. and Del. hope to win seats this fall
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly nonprofit works to end period poverty
Philadelphia Tribune: COVID-19 lockdown 2.0? Kenney administration doesn’t rule it out; changes coming to free-meal programs
Philadelphia Citizen: How To Help Students And Teachers Now 
Billy Penn: Avoid ALL social gatherings, Philly warns college students — and Temple suspends classes
Billy Penn: Outdoor Philly mask use nearly doubles in August, as coronavirus cases trend down 

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Campaigning in the age of coronavirus
Delco Daily Times: Will drastic measures solve Chester’s financial woes?  
Daily Local News: Chester County officials visit local restaurants in compliance tour
Daily Local News: Thousands face homelessness in Chester County after eviction moratorium expires
Daily Local News: Business leaders and county join for coronavirus recovery effort
Daily Local News: Sen. Dinniman: Story of service dog highlights need to end puppy mills
Bucks Local News: AUGUST 27 BUCKS COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: Cases average 23 over past three days; death reported of 32 year old man without pre-existing conditions

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Biden to make surprise stop in southwestern Pa. on Monday 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Public Schools pushing back start date 
Post-Gazette: Peduto declares Juneteenth as official holiday in Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Lawmakers propose $80 billion in federal money to help cities catch up to Silicon Valley 
Post-Gazette: Program to keep Pa. renters in their homes struggling to distribute funds 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh school leaders support decision to postpone start of classes for a week 
Post-Gazette: Up to 100 people now allowed at outdoor events in Allegheny County 
Post-Gazette: 153 new COVID-19 cases reported in Western Pa.
WESA: Voting Rights The Focus At Delayed Pittsburgh Juneteenth Celebration
WESA: ‘Civil Saturday’ Demonstration Occupies Squirrel Hill Intersection
KDKA: Joe Biden To Deliver Remarks In Southwestern Pennsylvania On Monday
KDKA: As Both Party Conventions Wrap Up, Local Political Experts Analyze The Impact
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto Makes Juneteenth A City Holiday
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Delays Start Of School Year
KDKA: City Spending Roughly 12 Times More Now On Landslide Repairs Than When Mayor Peduto Took Office
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Continuing Food Distribution During Pittsburgh Public Schools Delay
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public School Teachers Say Current Supply Problems Could Have Been Prevented
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Has Distributed Nearly 150,000 Meals To Children, Seniors Since Start Of Pandemic
KDKA: State Lawmakers Help Hand Out Food In Wilkinsburg
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 99 New Coronavirus Cases, No Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Joe Biden to visit Southwestern Pennsylvania Monday; location, details not announced 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County announces 99 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Public Schools pushes back start of school
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County increases limit on outdoor gatherings
City Paper: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette pulled initial Dannielle Brown coverage and hasn’t covered the story since

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Blair, Cambria voters won’t see drop-off ballot boxes
Altoona Mirror: Area airports awarded CARES funding
Altoona Mirror: Political Notebook — Bedford crowd highlights fears
Altoona Mirror: New Blair County virus cases decrease
Observer-Reporter: Greene elections office prepares for November election
Observer-Reporter: Greene County to expand broadband capabilities
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb
Tribune Review: Super PACs turn to Western Pa. voters for testimonials in presidential contest
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County adds 7 new coronavirus cases
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Critics blast Pa.’s treatment of defiant event organizers
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria adds 10 COVID-19 cases over weekend but weekly total dips

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Pence to headline “Workers for Trump” event in Exeter on Tuesday
Citizens Voice: Some local state representatives agree with legalized marijuana, caution against being ‘hasty’
Citizens Voice: Enough is enough, rally-goers say
Citizens Voice: DA: Further investigation of Mackey death akin to ‘prosecution shopping’
Citizens Voice: NEPA police departments lacking diversity
Citizens Voice: Three new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Times-Tribune: Pence to headline ‘Workers for Trump’ event in Exeter on Tuesday
Times-Tribune: Some local state representatives agree with legalized marijuana, caution against being ‘hasty’ 
Times-Tribune: Scranton City Hall continues outreach to neighborhoods
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County COVID-19 cases rise, but not as dramatically
The Times Leader: The Lincoln Project to flood region with ads this week
The Times Leader: Sen. Baker seeks after-action assessment of novel coronavirus 
The Times Leader: ZIP code data shows Hazleton’s share of COVID-19 cases declined
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council asked to guarantee state grant for Wilkes-Barre project 
The Times Leader: Report: NEPA remains safe area, and by some measures it’s getting safer
The Times Leader: Luzerne County sells surplus vehicles
The Times Leader: 3 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 670 statewide

South Central 
York Dispatch: Perry: Postal Service doesn’t need more funding
York Dispatch: Hanover bucks proposal for regional human relations commission
York Dispatch: York City medical director: Uptick in COVID-19 cases a reason to ‘worry’
York Dispatch: Sunday update: 27 new cases of COVID-19 in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Decline in refugee arrivals under Trump hasn’t dimmed Lancaster’s support for resettlement
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 updates: 133K total cases found in Pa. to date, 6.6K coming from Lancaster County
Carlisle Sentinel: ‘I Have a Dream’ speech recited at march in Carlisle
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 7 new COVID-19 cases reported in Cumberland County Sunday
Patriot News: 670 new coronavirus cases reported Sunday in Pa. 

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Northampton County executive vetoes referendum on sexual orientation, gender identity protections
Express Times: Lehigh Valley commemorates 57th anniversary of ‘I Have a Dream’ march (PHOTOS)
Express Times: Have you completed the 2020 Census? The Lehigh Valley’s best and worst towns at responding (with 1 month to go).
Morning Call: Northampton County executive vetoes referendum on LGBTQ protections
Morning Call: City schools at disadvantage as PIAA moves ahead with fall sports, leaving many kids behind
Morning Call: The Lehigh Valley is faring far better in the coronavirus battle than many places, but experts say no one should drop their guard
Morning Call: Opioid deaths on the rise in the Lehigh Valley, as coronavirus reverses treatment strides 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: A slight reprieve in new cases Sunday, no Lehigh Valley deaths this weekend
Reading Eagle: Virtual conventions were a bummer for delegates from Berks County
Reading Eagle: Lawmakers representing Berks County focus on coronavirus issues at Greater Reading Chamber Alliance forum
Reading Eagle: Berks adds 32 coronavirus positive cases

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Eric Trump to visit Cogan Station for fundraiser
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Joint permit for pollution reduction plan could cost $5M
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Upcoming levee projects among the most expensive
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Little League International Congress to Be Held in Williamsport in 2022
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners support learning sites for children
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Upcoming levee projects among the most expensive
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: First reading of accessibility advisory commission OKd
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Funding for small businesses affected by COVID-19 available
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 10 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: Protesters rally in downtown State College against racial injustice
Centre Daily Times: Businesses, fans in Williamsport feel loss of 2020 Little League World Series
Centre Daily Times: Timeline set for filling State College Borough Council vacancy. Here’s what it looks like, how to apply
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County reports 7 new cases of COVID-19, and other updates for Aug. 30
Erie Times-News: Protesters gather for peaceful rally in downtown Erie
Erie Times-News: Drug overdoses on the rise in Erie County, city

Opinion  
Lisa Schaefer: PA County Commissioners Association: Why it may take days – or weeks – to get Pennsylvania’s election results
Paul Muschick: Pa. Supreme Court may make key election decision again. If so, blame Republicans.
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The line between protests and riots
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Courting Black votes
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Trump draws the lines
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: NFL is betraying its Black players
Inquirer Editorial Board: Hilco can do better for the refinery community
Beau Kilmer: Gov. Wolf’s push to legalize marijuana is oversold as coronavirus relief 
Marc Stier: Here’s how we stop the coming eviction and foreclosure tsunami
Tom Shepstone: The new EPA methane rule and what it means for Pa. It’s all about the duplication
Rob Bair: Donald Trump’s policies have hurt workers in Pennsylvania
Tim Hartman: The Pa. Turnpike’s circle of life, explained | Editorial Cartoon
Salena Zito: The door-to-door army that helped Trump win in 2016 is ready for battle
John L. Micek: RNC 2020: Out of ideas, Trump turns to 2016 playbook – Make America fearful again 
Chris Kelly: Save the Children from QAnonsense
Abraham Gutman and Elena Gooray: ‘It’s satisfying every time.’ Meet 5 Philly-area poll workers who live and breathe Election Day democracy 
Ana White: We’re saying her name over and over and over. Now grant Breonna Taylor justice 
Ruth Ann Dailey: The future of the Columbus statue — and harmony
David Shribman: The winding switchbacks of politics
John A. Tures: No, Donald Trump did not create the greatest economy in American history 
Gene Therapy: A terrible, horrible, very bad week, and that was just the Falwells
Christine Flowers: A moment of courage showed us a man’s soul
Pat Christmas: FAQ: Want to be a poll worker for the 2020 election? Here’s what you need to know.
Devon Powers: A professor’s first days back at Temple: ‘This pandemic experiment won’t work’
Jenice Armstrong: Vandals keep targeting Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books and something needs to be done about it 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Death penalty in black and white
Henry Hsaio: You — yes, you! — should sign up to be a poll worker right now 
Will Bunch: A killing, chaos in Portland as Trump’s reelection scheme of a civil war shifts into overdrive